FREE SCHOOL MEALS COMING TO MORE HAWAIʻI STUDENTS UNDER NEW LAW
- Hawaiʻi State Senate
- May 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6
HONOLULU – In a significant step forward for food equity and student well-being, Governor Josh Green today signed Senate Bill 1300 into law at Washington Place. Authored by Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), the law expands access to free meals for Hawaiʻi public school students, especially for individuals from ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households who often do not qualify for traditional assistance programs.
SB 1300 takes effect on July 1, 2025. Highlights of the bill include:
· Beginning this 2025–2026 school year, students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunches will receive free meals.
· $565,000 per year will be allocated for the next two school years, benefiting about 34,000 students statewide.
· Beginning the 2026–2027 school year, an additional $2.8 million will expand eligibility to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
“Access to nutritious meals is fundamental to student success. Throughout my time as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, I have witnessed how hunger often goes unnoticed in classrooms, with teachers quietly stepping in to fill the gaps,” said Senate Vice President Kidani.
“This bill, which expands free school meals to students who previously qualified only for reduced-price lunches, directly tackles this critical issue by ensuring our keiki receive the nourishment they need to thrive academically and in life. When students are well-fed, they can focus better, engage fully, and reach their potential. I am honored to have authored this legislation and extend my gratitude to Governor Green for signing it into law.”
The signing of SB 1300 marks a critical investment in Hawaiʻi’s children and families and reinforces the state’s commitment to supporting student learning and health.
“I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the many advocates – especially First Lady Jaime Green – and the dedicated staff whose efforts were instrumental in bringing this legislation to fruition,” the Education Chair added.
